The Rafale does not even remotely belong on that list, what on earth
were you all thinking?

The Grumman F6F Hellcat shot down 5223 aircraft. The majority of them
were A6Ms. I do agree with the Zero/Zeke a 12 to 1
Kill/loss ratio, deserves to be on the list even if it was outclassed quickly.
So we need to reverse their places.

The SBD deserves to be on the list, it was the carrier killer.

Likewise, though you might not
believe it’s me who’s saying this, so does the Sea Fury FB.11. The Sea Fury kept up and occasionally
outclassed the jets it was serving with and fighting against.

The Swordfish, while I understand why it’s on the list, it doesn’t really
qualify, I know a sentimental favorite. How many ships were credited to the
Stringbag compared to the TBF/TBM Avenger/ Tarpon to the RAN, which didn’t even make the list, which I will correct.

So that leaves four. Let’s start
with the Sea Harrier, I think I agree with a
change, Drop the Sea, keep the Harrier.
RAF harriers fought off ships in the Falklands. It was also the thought of two LHAs with
Harriers sitting off the coast of Kuwait that helped the “left hook” armor
attack succeed. So yes the Harrier has changed naval aviation.

So we are left with the Tomcat, Phantom and Hornet. The Phantom is easy it stays. It flew for two Navies. It was Recon Attack and a Fleet defense
fighter.

The Tomcat definitely not number 1.
Not really sure why it gets the top. It never scored a kill in combat by
its primary weapon system the Phoenix Missile. It’s another sentimental
favorite. The Hollywood weapon system.

Lastly the Hornet, this is the ”I just don’t know”. It’s in the middle
of its career and will be around a REALLY long time. It entered service in
1983. The Supers entered service 15 years ago. The F-35 ain’t yet around the
corner so there’s a lot of history left to be written.

So since I ditched the Rafale, it needs a replacement. This naval aircraft with be flying with at least
the Brazilian Navy to beyond 2030 not bad for design from the early ‘50s. Yes I
own a tail hook off one, and will be accused of bias The A-4 Skyhawk needs to absolutely be on the
list. Also how many pilots became “Naval Aviators taking their first trap in an
A-4.

I do have some also-rans.

·The Grumman A-6 Intruder.

·The Chance Vought F-8 Crusader France and the USN flew it

·The Vought F4U Corsair

·The Dassult-Brequet Super Etendard

·Lastly an aircraft still in production from its
introduction in 1964 The Grumman E-2/C-2 family of aircraft. It just makes the
good guys better.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Today I am attending the Bucks County Honor Flight with my Father. On the way home we will be having "Mail Call" below is the letter I wrote to him.

Date: 22 September 2014

Dear Dad:

I know that when you are reading this, I will be sitting
next to you, that makes it even harder to write a letter to you. As I have gotten older I have had more
opportunities because of what you have instilled in me.

You have showed me what it means to be a good husband,
not once but twice. I am a better
manager and employee because of the examples you set. “Always talk to your boss about something
other than work.” “Don’t always come with problems, make sure you have a
solution first.” These words I hear
whispered in my ear often, in your voice.

I am grateful for the love of country you have instilled
in me. It’s ok to well up during the
National Anthem, or when you see military come home to their families. Our family has a long history of serving for
this nation. While I didn’t get the
chance, I do try and tell the stories of those who did.

I am sure today
was really emotional. Almost as emotional as the day, we spent together in
Omaha Nebraska. There are days, in your
life that stick with you forever. I
will never forget the spring in your step or the way you climbed the ladder to
the Con of the LSM. You were so
excited. The stories poured out of you
like a fire hose. It was a bit
overwhelming. Baked Eggs in the Mess
for breakfast. The map table, and the
Captain’s “dyslexia.” Shooting Stars
and ending up “in a lake in Peru.” I
also remember when we were below decks, you saying “I’m not sure I have ever
been in this part of the ship.” It was
something I will never ever forget! Years of stories became real and tangible.

Sacrifice, is a term we tend to overuse when we talk
about Vets. Your war experiences were different
than many others. I remember Mom and
the other wives always saying “It’s amazing we won the war” However I realize
you did give up your youth. When I was
20 I was trying desperately to figure out who I was, what I wanted in
life. You were fighting for your
country, you were sailing a ship, whose mission was to purposely run a ground.
When it was most important, the Captain wanted you by his side! He could count on Vanderhoof! I try to have that spirit in my own life. The one you can count on when it’s all hands
on deck.

Yes I always credit my love of aviation to Mom and you. This
summer as we walked you to the sea, you commented, “It’s nice to watch the sea
and not be tossed around in it.” I am
happy at an airport or watching planes fly by. I am at peace when I am near the sea. Be it a lake or the shore or a river, it is
there where I find my center. The best
days of my life are near the sea. I
have been very lucky to found Shell, who
shares that love. However I realized
that my love of the sea stems from you.

It’s taken years to figure it out, though I always knew, I am the son
of a Sailor, and the sea is my home.

I am proud to be
the Son of a Sailor!

Thank you Dad, for setting my course, and providing me a
star to shoot for.